Merry Christmas!

Ok, I am seriously embarrassed by the amount of time that has gone by from my last post.   December is a crazy month with Christmas preparation, birthday celebrations and preparing for New Years.  So I sincerely apologize for my lack of blogging.

I received a surprise present from one of the ladies in Payroll at work.  It was a stuffed animal Max from "The Grinch that Stole Christmas."

It was the cutest thing!  I couldn't stop hugging it all day long at work.  Well, as my way of saying thank you, I made a Christmas Tag set for her.  I made them with the Cricut "Create a Critter" cartridge.  

I also had a "To: From:" stamp from A Muse that I used for the back.  I finished it off with a silver elastic cord tie.  

I placed the tags in a clear card box, created a divider with double sided patterned paper and finished it off with a bow.

A special Merry Christmas to Tammy!  She sent me a beautiful birthday card with a handmade embossing buddy!  Thanks Tammy!  You are the best!

And a special Merry Christmas to Amy!  Amy sent the cutest Christmas card!!!  Thank you Amy!

I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Why Pay $4?

Last week I was standing in line at Barnes and Noble and noticed a section of greeting cards.  I am always looking for inspiration so I took a look at what was on the display.  They had a bunch of cards that looked easy to replicate so I made sure to take pictures of them.  After taking pictures of them all, I looked at the price and was shocked to find them going for $4.00 each!  Wow!  I need to make sure I remind my husband that every time we use a home made card, we save $4.00!

Barnes and Noble $4.00 baby card.

VS.

My version of the same card.  $0.00

I just happened to have a left over chipboard letter "B" in blue, blue card stock, white cardstock for the scalloped edge, white adhesive lettering and left over blue gingham ribbon.  

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving All!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Very short post today.  Have work, last minute shopping, baking and getting ready for Turkey Day!

Big Happy Birthday to my Mom!  Enjoy your special day Mom!!!

I posted this picture before on here.  But wanted to post it again for Mom's Birthday!

Also, Happy Birthday 25th Birthday to Katie!!!

Watch Out!

This past weekend we took my car in for servicing.  On my way to the car dealership, I noticed this man driving a mini van going approx. 75 mph while writing on an etab with a stylus.  Yes, you read that correctly, both of his hands were on the etab and stylus.  He was diligently taking notes and believe it or not, switching lanes at the same time!  Needless to say, we stayed clear and as far away from him as possible since he didn't seem to be driving with his hands.  But I couldn't help but take a picture of him as we passed him up.  And this time, she was looking at and taking notes on his clipboard now!  I swear!

Luckily, we avoided the crazy no hands driver and made it to the car dealership.  However, on my way out I passed the Kia dealership and saw the worlds largest Hamster!  It's the hamster from the Kia Soul commercial.  

Enjoy the commercial.  It's so darn catchy isn't it???

Christmas Tag Time!!!

Earlier this year I bought the cutest Christmas stamp set from A Muse.  And get this...the set was on clearance for $5.00!  Can't beat that right?!

I decided to use the stamped images as gift tags.  I colored them in with copics, layered with red scallop circle and finished them off with silver elastic cording.

Welcome Back!

Hello everyone! I know I've been away for a while. I apologize for the lack of posting. Ever since I got back from Hawaii, I have been struggling to get back into the everyday grind. Its hard going from a carefree vacation in paradise back to the stressful world of the city. But I am happy to say, I am back!

I made a card for a coworker of mine who surprised me with some candy I used to eat when I was a child. Brought back so many good memories. Words alone couldn't say thank you, so I came up with this card. Hard to see, but I used crystal effects on the cupcake icing, and copic spica glitter pen on the heart.

Sorry again for the lack of postings. Until next time, have a great weekend!

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More Maui...and WOW!!!

For those of you who know me well, know that Maui is by far my favorite place in the whole world!  And thanks to my generous parents, I was able to spend 4.5 days in Maui this past week to relax and unwind before the stressful holiday season that is upon us.

And as promised, here are a couple of pictures from the amazing island!

The view from my beach chair on Keawakpu Beach.  Great view, shade under the palm trees...all I needed was a Corona and a lime.

Picture of the Palm trees that were shading me on the beach.  (The hot pink thing at the bottom was my mom's floatie for swimming.  You could spot her a mile away)

Went back to Secret Cove beach in Makena.  This is the beach where I was married 7 months ago.  It was exactly the same as I remembered it.  

Another  view of Secret Cove beach in Makena.

View from the condo.  Tennis courts along the bottom of the photo and glorious ocean up top!  I miss that place already.

And onto my "WOW" moment...how about those San Francisco Giants!  WOO HOO!  GO GIANTS!  Great game tonight and great season overall!  Congrats boys, you deserve all of it!

Special shout out to Timmy!  Great game as always!  I knew you could do it!

Picture I took of Timmy pitching from earlier this season!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! It just doesn't seem like Halloween to me. Maybe because I went swimming in the ocean, tanned on the beach and ate breakfast on the lanai all before noon. In the spirit of Halloween, I've got to give you something sweet. Here is a pictures of the fresh hot malasadas I got to eat everyday! Hot, sweet, light, pillowy dough coated in sugar. Just insane.

Happy halloween! More pics to come tomorrow.

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Aloha and aloha!

Aloha is a universal saying for hello, good bye, thank you, I love you, etc. Seems like yesterday I was saying a hello aloha to the beautiful island of Maui. And tomorrow sadly I will be saying a goodbye aloha. (especially since its a beautiful sunny 84°, and I've heard it is dark and raining at home in CA)

My stay was a mix of emotions. Sadness that I was leaving my husband at home. But happiness that I was able to spend quality time with my parents and share the beauty of the island with them.

Pictures to come on monday! Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

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Another doggie card

I had too much fun the other day with my doggie stamps that I couldn't resist posting another card. I apologize about the pictures as I am posting these past entries via the blogger app on my phone.

I am planning to use this card for my friends birthday. Although he is more of a cat person, I think he will enjoy it anyways.

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Dog-gone it!

Some people say you are either a dog or a cat person. I never liked either. I was never an animal lover. Over time animals started becoming more and more interesting and I was able to tolerate them. Fast forward 5 years later and I swear I wouldn't even recognize myself. I guess opening your heart to one animal allows you to open your heart to all animals.  I don't know what I would do without my little Barkley....and wonder how I lived 25 years without a pet!

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Happy Boss' Day!

It's only when you have the jobs from hell that you recognize when a good job comes along.  I am thankful I work in a "recession-proof" environment where people actually care about each other and encourage a work/life balance.

These are the cards I made for my 2 bosses.  The whole department signed the two included them with the gifts we bought!  I hope they have a great day today!!!

Although it's hard to see, I used crystal effects/liquid glass on the drink portion of the stamp and added stickles glitter to the strawberry and cherry.  

Here's to all the great bosses out there!  Enjoy your day!  And to all the bad bosses...well, no cards for you!!

Wedding Bells are Ringing

This weekend my cousin-in law got married!  It wasn't until last night that I realized that I didn't have a wedding card for him and his new bride.  So, with just minutes to spare, I managed to whip up this simple and clean card using my Washi paper tape and a heart punch.  I rounded the corners with my corner chomper and finished the card in 3 minutes!  Yes, that's right...from start to finish 3 minutes!!! Go me!

Good Luck Walk UPDATE

Well, looks like my walk with Barkley WORKED!!!  The Giants pulled off an impressive win against the San Diego Padres.  Looking forward to Thursday when we take on the Atlanta Braves!  GO GIANTS!!!

Good Luck Walk

I dl-ed this blogger-droid app for my new phone. So this will be a miracle if I can figure out how to work this thing.

As some of you are already aware, I am a San Francisco Giants fan. On Fri and Sat they had the chance to secure the NL Pennant. But true to form, they managed to lose both games to test my blood pressure and patience. Well today is the last game of the season. Win or go home. For all the marbles.

For good luck, Barkley and I took a nice long walk to mentally prepare for this game today. I sure hope it worked.

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Butterflies in the Sky

Although my mother's birthday isn't until next month, I am trying NOT to wait to the last moment to make my cards.  It was fun to work with the embossed butterflies and the Kioshi paper from Basic Grey.  I went a little crazy with the faux white stitching, but oh well.

Hope you are all enjoying the start of your week.

Back to Life

I apologize for my lack of blogging lately.  I got sick this past week and have been completely out of it.  But I am pleased to say that I am on the road to recovery!  And that includes my return to my much ignored stamp room.

Recently a friend of mine sent me a bobblehead RAK.  And to thank him, I made him a simple card using some new washi tape I picked up in SF last weekend.

The pattern of the two rolls are the black and white stripes and the polka dots (shown on the packaging). I figured I would get the most use out of this set because I tend to be a black and white kind of girl.  

I created this card by using different circle punches and black and white cardstock.  I used the washi tape and adhered it to the card base.  Then I layered my circle punched black and white cardstock layers on top and finished it off with some circular stamps and sentiment.

We Can't Be Winners All the Time...

Yesterday I spent the day in San Francisco.  A little shopping finished up with a night of baseball.  We had a great time at the game.  The only thing that could have made it better was if the Giants would have won.  Despite the loss, I still had my garlic fries and had a great night out with the hubby!

Yes, even Carlos Santana is a Giants fan!

Tim Lincecum warming up on the mound.

Any my favorite SF Giant, Lou Seal!  

Copic Scottie Dog

Just wanted to share a new stamp set I bought.  The only way the set could be cuter is if they had dachshund's in it!  Found a great deal on some shoes from Macy's yesterday.  And I bought a cute pair from Stein Mart today.  Additional 50% off clearance price + additional 20% off.  $19.98!  I've been on a shoe kick lately.  

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday.

Why Can't We Be Friends?

Do you know that song by War, "Why Can't We Be Friends?"  Well, that's the exact sentiment I have always had with my aqua painters.  I've had aqua painters for years, but never seemed to master the technique.  Until now!  I am no longer intimidated by the elusive aqua painter and watercoloring.  If you have neglected your aqua painter lately, show it some love!

I just love this stamp set.  Merry Crittermas.  I am a sucker for animal stamps.  

Cute little Beaver.

Adorable little Raccoons.

And my all time favorite, Little Squirrel.

Thank You Thursday SRT

Thank You Thursday!  I've been slacking on the blog lately.  Work has been kicking my tail.  So I thank all of my 6 blog followers for being patient with me!  I recently got my SU and CTMH orders, so expect lots of crafting from me soon.

In addition to my loyal 6 followers, I wanted to thank Skechers for naming a new shoe after me.  It's called the Skechers SRT.  Yes, the shoe is very ugly, but hey, it's an honor to have anything named after you right?

Apparently my nickname isn't just for ugly shoes.  It's also popular with Dodge cars!  Introducing the Dodge Viper SRT.

In addition to having a great name, the Dodge Viper SRT is also ranked #2 in the top gas guzzling vehicles.  This SRT gets a whopping 13.4 miles per gallon.  

Happy Labor Day!

Not only is it a 3 day weekend for me, but I also got a chance to do a little shopping.  The hubby got a pair of slacks and dress shirt for 80% off at Macys, I got a swanky new pair of running shoes for 70% off, and little Barkley got a new swimming pool for 50% off!  Can't beat that!  I also hope to clean up the stamp room and organize my loose papers I have laying around.

I hope all of you enjoyed your Labor Day with your friends and family as much as I have.  Today should be a reminder that work should always be secondary!

Thank You Thursday

I am Thankful For:

Non-Fat Frozen Yogurt

John Mayer's Music

Wifi 

Pressure Cookers

Three Day Weekends

Japanese Pens

Airbrushing

Happy Hour

Mariners Moose

Happy Thursday Everyone!  

Flash Back Challenge 2.0

Amy over at Tsurata Designs has called upon us once again with a Flash Back Challenge!  The last Flash Back challenge was about "first blog postings."  And guess who was the lucky winner?  Yup, that's right ME!  I know lightning doesn't strike twice, but her challenges are really fun and I just had to participate again.

Round 2 is all about Scrapbook Pages.  Scrapbooking has come a long way.  My very first scrapbook was from a Las Vegas vacation.  Unfortunately, I have no idea where it is.  My guess is it got filed away in the garbage can since it was that hideous.  So, my second attempt at scrapbooking was a book dedicated to Barkley.

Barkley got a squeaky squirrel and elephant for Christmas one year and would not let either one of them leave his sight.  

Here is a recent page I made to highlight our tour of the Maui Gold Pineapple Plantation.  I used a little inspiration from a CTMH Idea Book.  As you can see, I am not one for journaling.  But I left those blank blue squares just in case I ever decide to jot down a few memories.

If you want to play along, check out Tsurata Designs site.  You have until Sept 17th!  

Should I Scream Now or Later?

I don't do too well around insects, spiders, frogs, snakes and especially lizards.  The area I live in is still partially undeveloped, and I am aware there are plenty of wildlife living in the empty fields close by.  I had a chance encounter with a deer once walking around my cul-de-sac.

The other night, my husband informed me of the a little visitor who crawled through the pipes and into our garage sink.

Introducing my unexpected house guest the blue tailed skink lizard.  The plastic sink in the garage has high walls (thankfully) and the lizard couldn't crawl out.  So, he went back down the drain and out of sight.  He is currently crawling around my drainage pipes.  Lucky me!

Congratulations!!!

A very good friend of mine Kyle is getting married today!  He and his beautiful bride Jessica will tie the knot at a vineyard in Northern California.  I am so happy for them and excited to see them take the next step in spending the rest of their lives together.

Here is the card I made for them.  

No, I didn't make the cake.  It was actually a 3-dimensional sticker made by Martha Stewart.  I picked my MS sticker from Tuesday Morning.  It was marked down to $0.80 and I got an additional 50% off.  That's right, $0.40!  I finished the card off with cardstock layers and rubons.  Possibly the easiest and fastest card I've ever made.  In a way I cheated, but that's ok every once and a while right?

Stamp Camp

I always have such a wonderful time when I attend my good friend Lisa's SU Stamp Camp.  Last night the theme was "Christmas in August."  And boy was it ever!  Christmas music, cookies and cards!  We made a total of 7 cards - 1 card we are donating to our men and women serving over seas.  We also made a snowflake votive candle holder.

If you live in Northern California and would like to attend the next Stamp Camp or have any questions about Stampin' Up products, contact Lisa Hansen.